Germany is gearing up for a deep 2026 World Cup run, but the nation has yet to announce its final squad for the tournament with key decisions looming, particularly at the goalkeeper position.
The squad announcement is set for Thursday, with head coach Julian Nagelsmann working through an expanded provisional list submitted to FIFA ahead of his final selection.
According to reports, Manuel Neuer has been included on that 55-man preliminary list despite retiring from international football after Euro 2024, where Germany fell to eventual champions Spain in the quarterfinal, losing 2-1 in extra time.
Now, just a few days before the squad announcement, Neuer’s status has come into question following a recent injury setback with Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich players during a stoppage of play.Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images
Bayern confirmed that Neuer suffered muscle problems in his left calf after being subbed off during a Bundesliga match against Cologne on Saturday, but the goalie removed weight from it while addressing the media on Sunday.
“I just felt something on my left side,” Neuer said. “I’d had a bit of a calf problem there, I just didn’t want to take any more risks. That’s why I went off.”
Bayern stated that the 40-year-old will “take it easy for the time being,” with no official timeline provided for his return.
Despite the concern, everything suggests the setback may not be as severe as to prevent him from making Germany’s squad, if that’s what Nagelsmann has in mind.
Neuer’s possible return to the national team has been driven in part by injuries to other options in Germany’s net, including Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and a current pairing of Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nubel that doesn’t come close to Neuer’s experience on all levels.
Neuer made his senior debut with Germany all the way back in 2010 and has appeared in 110 games for the nation, allowing 54 goals and averaging 0.97 goals allowed per game. He’d carry a 69.6 save percentage into the 2026 World Cup, if he makes the cut.
Germany is set to start its campaign June 14 in the first group game against Curacao, scheduled for 1 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium in Houston.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
